Stormzy’s New Music Video: This Isn’t Divide And Conquer, This Is Provide and Prosper

‘This isn’t divide and conquer, This is provide and prosper’

Image shows Black British icons dressed in white holding white umbrellas.

(source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-63010712)

Where do I begin? British Rapper, Singer and Songwriter Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr., also known as the G.O.A.T aka Stormzy, has returned from his long hiatus with an epic display of what it means to be young, black and proud!

‘Mel Made Me Do It’ is the title of Stromzy’s new cinematic 10-minute music video, which has truly come to disturb the status quo. From cultural legends to iconic moments in pop culture, Stormzy tells us why he’s unapologetically himself and whilst he brags and boasts about owning his own masters and not having a master – you just can’t help but bop your head and nod to the fact that he deserves all the accolades – let’s face it the kid is talented! 

I’m still trying to decipher whether it was the visuals, the prolific rapping, the cameos or the monologue narrated by Michaela Coel which sent chills down my spine that made this music video one for the books. 

Stormzy has always been the people’s champ, from his philanthropy alone I just knew this music video would deliver. It was so captivating to see black figures from start to finish come together, from black stylists to black designers the rapper displayed our past, present and future in just 10-minutes. 

“I've been the G.O.A.T. for so long that they never hype a n*gga up. So I guess I gotta do it to myself, boy”

It’s been well documented that often when one achieves greatness the people around you begin to change. Those that supported you begin to look at you differently and jealousy tends to be the by-product. This mentality is also known as ‘crabs in a barrel’ which is a mentality that involves pulling down anyone who achieves or is about to achieve success greater than yours. These lyrics emphasise on the importance of affirming yourself and knowing that you’re great, as you continue to shine unfortunately the compliments begin to diminish, people expect you to already know how great you are and simply don’t want to see you do better than them. 

“I never wonder ‘bout who I coulda been, cah I am it”

“I got figures and flows, I’m a different kind of F”

“My tunes gettin’ played from a set to a christening”

“What we achieved ain’t a shock cah we knew it”

How many UK rappers do you know whose music is getting played from a set to a christening? I’ll wait. The versatility in Stormzy’s music is what I truly believe gives you longevity in the game. Take Drake, for example, the artist has a song for everything! At this point, Stormzy is living the dream and stresses the significance of believing in your visions and having confidence in your capabilities. “Don’t think you are, know you are” – Morpheus – The Matrix.

Confidence is a theme that radiates throughout the track and it’s honestly great to hear. British culture often favours the underdog and those who are humble. Confidence and screaming about your success is frowned upon, so it’s very refreshing to see the rapper shamelessly plug himself – if not you, then who?

“The revolution was re-energised, the moment it was televised.

I need to remind you this is not a phase, this is phase one.” 

– Wretch32 narrated by Michaela Coel

Finally, Michaela Coal cemented the whole music video for me with a monologue written by Wretch32. By incorporating such an invigorating speech, Stromzy is letting us know this is who I am, this is where we’re going, this is what has been done and, the sky is the limit. This speech alone touched on so many themes – it’s no wonder I got goosebumps! 

“It’s often the word greatness comes to mind but football-ing legends like Ian Wright, make greatness come to sight.”

Representation is key! Nowadays you don’t have to search far and wide for inspiration, growing up black representation in the media was scarce, so you can imagine how my inner child is smiling. Seeing is truly believing and it’s great to have an array of talent captured for future generations to aspire to!  

“Our genes are enriched, It seems there is not a seam out of place in our fabric”

Our resilience as a race is impeccable, this is one of those pinnacle moments in history where we get to define ourselves and take control of the narrative, as black voices are louder than ever. There are many myths and misconceptions about who we are as people, but here Michaela Coal tells us exactly what it is and to get rid of self-doubt. What we continue to overcome, is truly what makes us great – so let’s toast to that! 

“We’re all alone in this together”